Spring Break Extra Credit 

-This extra credit assignment is designed to further your understanding of the natural world by examining EVOLUTION. CHECK MUSEUM WEBSITE FOR DETAILS ON RESERVATIONS AND TICKETS
LINK HERE 

- Your task will be to go to the Museum of Nature and Science in Denver. Go upstairs to the "Prehistoric Journey" exhibit. 

- You will complete a full walk through of the exhibit, starting with the formation of the solar system and planet Earth. 

- On your journey you will be documenting your observations by completing the following tasks and answering the following questions 

1.) Diversity in the Sea: Underwater Revolution Paleozoic, 425 million years ago. 

Where did life originate on this planet? What did some of the earliest life forms look like? Does it resemble anything that is still around today? How is a trilobite adapted to this environment (What would help your trilobite survive—seeking shelter? camouflage? swimming habits?)?

2.) Take a photo (all photos must include yourself to be valid) of an early life form.

3.) Forests and Flight: Prehistoric Sounds Late Paleozoic/Early Permian, 295 million years ago:  Close your eyes in front of the Kansas Coastline diorama, listen, and ask yourself how flight helps creatures survive in this forest, where giant millipedes and dangerous fin-backed pelycosaur proto-mammals lurk. Open your eyes. Can you find the creatures you heard? What other adaptations did you notice the animals had to help them survive?

4.) Take a photo of an organism during this time period.

5.) Time of the Dinosaurs: Small Mammals, Flowers Thrive Cretaceous, 66 million years ago: In the main dinosaur exhibit area, pick out a dinosaur skeleton and make up a story about it. What do you think was happening to your creature?

6.) Tropical Rockies: Primates Safe in Trees High Above Forest Floor Early Cenozoic, 50 million years ago:  How is your body like the primate Notharctus? What helps you grip, grab, climb, balance, or leap in a sport?

7.)Expanding Grasslands: Run Well or Be Eaten Early Miocene, 20 million years ago:

Take a picture of one of the organisms in this exhibit and explain what modern day animal is resembles. How is it different? How is it the same?

8.) Dawn of Humankind: Lucy and Her Tools Late Pliocene, 3.2 million years ago:

At the Dawn of Humankind diorama, look at Lucy. If you were her, how would you use your eyes, hands, and feet to escape the hyenas? (Lucy hint: There are a few trees and rock outcrops nearby. What will you do?)

9.) Finally, take a photo of what you think is the most interesting part of the journey!

- Create a GoogleDoc with all questions and photos included. To submit, share with sdawkins5, by the end of spring break

ENJOY THE MUSEUM!

Earn up to 8 points extra credit! And most importantly, earn some knowledge!